Dependency Petition

A Dependency Petition is a legal document filed in family court that requests the court to determine whether a child is dependent on the state due to neglect, abuse, or the inability of parents or guardians to provide proper care. This process aims to protect the child’s welfare by assessing their living situation and potentially placing them in a safer environment, such as with relatives or foster care. The court will evaluate evidence, listen to testimonies, and make decisions regarding the child's future and the family's circumstances.